The Effectiveness of Two Community-Based Weight Loss Strategies among Obese, Low-Income US Latinos

Background Latino immigrants have high rates of obesity and face barriers to weight loss. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a case-management (CM) intervention with and without community health workers (CHWs) for weight loss. Design This was a 2-year, randomized controlled trial comparing two interventions with each other and with usual care (UC). Participants/setting Eligible participants included Latinos with a body mass index of 30 to 60 and one or more heart disease risk factors. The 207 participants recruited during 2009-2010 had a mean age of 47 years and were mostly women (77%). At 24 months, 86% of the sample was assessed. Intervention The CM+CHW (n=82) and CM (n=84) interventions were compared with each other and with UC (n=41). Both included an intensive 12-month phase followed by 12 months of maintenance. The CM+CHW group received home visits. Main outcome measures Weight change at 24 months. Statistical analyses Generalized estimating equations using intent-to-treat. Results At 6 months, mean weight loss in the CM+CHW arm was -2.1 kg (95% CI -2.8 to -1.3) or -2% of baseline weight (95% CI -1% to -2%) compared with -1.6 kg (95% CI -2.4 to -0.7; % weight change, -2%, -1%, and -3%) in CM and -0.9 kg (95% CI -1.8 to 0.1; % weight change, -1%, 0%, and -2%) in UC. By 12 and 24 months, differences narrowed and CM+CHW was no longer statistically distinct. Men achieved greater weight loss than women in all groups at each time point (P<0.05). At 6 months, men in the CM+CHW arm lost more weight (-4.4 kg; 95% CI -6.0 to -2.7) compared with UC (-0.4 kg; 95% CI -2.4 to 1.5), but by 12 and 24 months differences were not significant. Conclusions This study demonstrated that incorporation of CHWs may help promote initial weight loss, especially among men, but not weight maintenance. Additional strategies to address social and environmental influences may be needed for Latino immigrant populations.